GHWelles
Well-known member
Petrucci Bridge Mod
The Petrucci Bridge is so much more capable than the usual vintage bridge I am used to, that I find I use the trem much more aggressively, and much more often. After particularly lengthy and agressive trem use the poor .009 strings just can't take it and snap.
So I decided to modify the Petrucci bridge to keep it as close to stock as possible, but to put in Graph-Tech String Saver technology to reduce string breakage.
I popped out the little insert in the petrucci bridge saddles (this won't work with the piezo obviously) and replaced it for the top three strings with a Graph-Tech String saver insert. Sort of like the ferra-glide idea. Looks like below when done.
This mod looks more stock and sounds more stock than replacing the entire saddle with string saver saddles, and you get the benefit of no more string breakage.
Here is the website with pictures and a complete "how to" description.
http://ghwelles.tripod.com/petrucci_bridge_sadd/index.album?i=12
The stock inserts in the Petrucci saddles are brass on the base with what looks like a stainless steel cap. This gives a very lively and nicely metallic edged tone. I guess those guys at the EBMM factory and design team know what they are doing!
The Graph-Tech string saver inserts reduce volume slightly and sweeten the tone, taking away the metallic edge (unfortunately, I prefer the dynamic metallic edge tone, but I hate breaking strings.) So, the bottom line on this mod: takes away some of the lively tone of the guitar, but reduces string breakage. Also, the Graph-Tech string saver material is very soft and may wear down and have to be replaced quickly.
The Petrucci Bridge is so much more capable than the usual vintage bridge I am used to, that I find I use the trem much more aggressively, and much more often. After particularly lengthy and agressive trem use the poor .009 strings just can't take it and snap.
So I decided to modify the Petrucci bridge to keep it as close to stock as possible, but to put in Graph-Tech String Saver technology to reduce string breakage.
I popped out the little insert in the petrucci bridge saddles (this won't work with the piezo obviously) and replaced it for the top three strings with a Graph-Tech String saver insert. Sort of like the ferra-glide idea. Looks like below when done.
This mod looks more stock and sounds more stock than replacing the entire saddle with string saver saddles, and you get the benefit of no more string breakage.
Here is the website with pictures and a complete "how to" description.
http://ghwelles.tripod.com/petrucci_bridge_sadd/index.album?i=12
The stock inserts in the Petrucci saddles are brass on the base with what looks like a stainless steel cap. This gives a very lively and nicely metallic edged tone. I guess those guys at the EBMM factory and design team know what they are doing!
The Graph-Tech string saver inserts reduce volume slightly and sweeten the tone, taking away the metallic edge (unfortunately, I prefer the dynamic metallic edge tone, but I hate breaking strings.) So, the bottom line on this mod: takes away some of the lively tone of the guitar, but reduces string breakage. Also, the Graph-Tech string saver material is very soft and may wear down and have to be replaced quickly.
Last edited:
